As the world continues to evolve and grow, Qatar stands out as a vibrant destination that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Qatar is set to become an even more exciting place to visit and live in April.

The month promises to be filled with a wide array of events that cater to diverse interests, from spectacular festivals and sporting competitions to cultural exhibitions and musical performances. Here's a glimpse into what April has in store for Qatar

As April unfolds, Qatar is poised to become a vibrant hub of diverse events, offering something for everyone. The month begins with the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, which will be marked by spectacular festivities across the country. One of the highlights will be the Lusail Sky Festival, taking place at Al Saad Plaza in Lusail City from April 3 to 5.

This festival promises to dazzle audiences with breathtaking aerial displays, including acrobatic aircraft formations, drone parades, glider performances, laser displays, and fireworks. The event will create a festive atmosphere unlike any other, drawing in crowds from all over to witness the mesmerizing sky shows.

In addition to these celebrations, malls across Qatar will host a variety of activities designed to entertain both children and adults. Lagoona Mall will offer fun workshops for children from March 30 to April 4, providing a creative outlet for young minds. Meanwhile, Mall of Qatar will present A Wonderland of Soapy Bubbles from March 30 to April 5, featuring mesmerizing bubble performances that will captivate audiences of all ages.

Place Vendôme Mall will host "The Smurf-tastic Fair" from March 31 to April 15, bringing the beloved Smurfs characters to life in an interactive and immersive experience. Doha Quest will also offer festive attractions for all ages from April 1 to 5, ensuring that everyone has a memorable time during the Eid celebrations.

April will also be filled with exciting sporting events that will attract enthusiasts from around the world. The Lusail International Circuit will host the 2025 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar from April 11 to 13, drawing in the world's top motorcyclists for a thrilling competition. The Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour 2025 will take place from April 15 to 19, highlighting the growing popularity of padel as a sport.

Additionally, the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup – Taishan will run from April 16 to 19 at the Aspire Dome, featuring some of the world's best gymnasts competing in various disciplines. Other notable sporting events include the Al Maha Island Aquathlon and the Al Zubarah Race on April 19, followed by the Beach Sports Festival at Aspire Park from April 20 to 26, which will offer a range of beach activities for participants and spectators alike.

On the cultural and creative front, Qatar will host Qumra 2025 at the Museum of Islamic Art from April 4 to 9. This event brings together filmmakers and creatives from around the world to share ideas, learn from each other, and showcase their work. The BilAraby Summit will take place from April 19 to 20 at Multaqa – Education City Students Centre, focusing on developments in the Arab media industry and providing a platform for networking and collaboration.

The EcoGreen Expo and the 2nd Edition of the Earthna Summit for a Sustainable Future will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from April 22 to 25. These events will highlight innovations in sustainability and clean energy, attracting experts and enthusiasts interested in environmental solutions.

Music enthusiasts will have plenty to look forward to as well. Concerts featuring Abdulaziz Al-Duwaihi and Hisham Mahrous will take place at U Venue on April 4, offering a unique blend of music styles. The TUL8TE Concert will be held at Doha Golf Club on the same day, providing another exciting musical experience.

The Disney Musical Show: The Magic Box will run from April 3 to 12 at the Qatar National Convention Centre, offering a Disney-inspired musical experience for all ages. Other musical highlights include Candlelight: Mozart & Chopin Classics, which will bring classical music lovers together to enjoy timeless compositions, and Anirudh’s Hukum World Tour concert on April 11, featuring the renowned Indian composer and singer.

Additionally, Ed Sheeran's concert on April 30 at Lusail Multipurpose Hall promises to be a major draw, attracting fans from across the region.

Lastly, comedy fans can enjoy the 3a Ka3ba improve comedy show on April 26, which will offer a hilarious evening of improvisational comedy. Classical music lovers can experience the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony on the same evening, providing a sophisticated and enriching musical experience. With such a diverse range of events, April promises to be an exciting month in Qatar, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Emirates Skywards members can now redeem Miles for travel in Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin, marking a major expansion in rewards options for the airline’s award-winning loyalty programme. This new benefit lets over 35 million Skywards members use their Miles for both Classic Rewards flight tickets and Upgrade Rewards to enjoy the popular Premium Economy experience on Emirates’ long-haul flights.

Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Skywards, highlighted that this addition responds to strong member demand, especially for routes like London, Sydney, Melbourne, and New York. The programme, initially exclusive to Skywards members, is set to broaden the travel choices and enhance the premium experience with a service that rivals many Business Class cabins.

Members can now redeem Skywards Miles starting at 15,000 for a one-way Premium Economy ticket, while upgrades from Economy begin at 7,020 Miles. Upgrade requests may be made before the flight or at check-in, subject to availability. The loyalty programme also recently introduced Classic Rewards on all flydubai flights starting from 5,000 Miles, complementing a wide range of redemption options.

Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin, the only one offered by an airline in the region, is renowned for its luxurious features including spacious cream leather seats with up to 40 inches pitch, calf and footrests, premium meals and wine, and a state-of-the-art 13.3-inch ice entertainment system. The cabin has won multiple awards, including ‘Best Premium Economy’ by AirlineRatings.com and Airline Excellence Awards 2024.

This launch aligns with Emirates’ ongoing US$5 billion cabin retrofit programme, which has refurbished 67 aircraft to date and introduced 9 A350s featuring Premium Economy, with more on the way. By March 2026, Emirates plans to serve 68 cities with Premium Economy aircraft, providing close to 2 million seats annually—expected to double by year-end.

Passengers can book Emirates Premium Economy tickets via emirates.com, the Emirates App, retail stores, the contact centre, or through travel agents.

Emirates is elevating the in-flight experience for its First Class customers by offering the rare and highly acclaimed Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2009 champagne on all flights departing from Dubai. This exclusive vintage, part of a special partnership with Moët Hennessy, is available onboard for a limited time, making Emirates the only airline to access this prized champagne directly from the winery.

While Emirates regularly serves Dom Pérignon Vintage across its global network, the airline often features exceptional vintages like the Rosé 2009, offering passengers a chance to savor some of the world’s rarest and most celebrated champagnes. The classic Dom Pérignon Vintage is a balanced white Champagne blending Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, known for its purity, mineral notes, and elegant finish.

In contrast, the Rosé Vintage carries a bolder character with a higher Pinot Noir content, including red wine in the blend, lending it a delicate color, structure, and a captivating intensity.

The 2009 Rosé vintage, harvested from Grand Cru vineyards such as Aÿ and Bouzy, reflects a particularly generous growing season that produced a wine rich in texture, depth, and controlled power. After 12 years of maturation, Dom Pérignon Rosé 2009 presents layered aromas of rose petals, orange oil, saffron, and vibrant fruits like raspberry and cherry, evolving to hints of licorice and gingerbread.

The taste is smooth and enveloping, with ripe fruit, a supple structure, and a memorable finish.First Class travelers can check if Dom Pérignon Rosé 2009 will be served on their flight through the “What’s on your flight” feature on Emirates’ website or app.

Emirates commands the world’s largest champagne program among airlines, with exclusive rights to serve several top vintages, including Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015, Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 2006, and Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Blanc 2016, among others. The airline’s premium wine cellar in France holds 6.5 million bottles, some aged to perfection and destined to be enjoyed up to 2035.

Emirates has invested over $1 billion in its wine program over the past 16 years, allowing wines to mature fully before being served onboard. Its extensive wine list features 37 varieties of French wines and champagnes, with First Class selections aged 12-15 years and Business Class Bordeaux reds aged 8-10 years on average.

Complementing its wine offerings, Emirates also provides an impressive range of spirits, featuring niche handcrafted brands alongside well-known favorites like Hennessy cognacs, available across all travel classes.

With this exceptional champagne selection and carefully curated wine and spirits menu, Emirates continues to set a high standard for luxury and indulgence at 35,000 feet.

Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has introduced Flat White, a celebrated local café brand from Doha, to the dining options at Hamad International Airport, enhancing the airport’s growing culinary scene with authentic Qatari flavors.

Flat White’s menu offers a carefully curated selection of premium coffees, featuring its signature Flat White alongside espresso classics and unique blends inspired by local tastes. Complementing the beverages are fresh pastries, artisanal sandwiches, gourmet snacks, and decadent desserts, all crafted using high-quality local ingredients. Traditional Qatari specialties such as saffron cakes and date pastries are also highlighted, providing travelers a genuine taste of Qatar.

This new café joins a vibrant lineup of food and beverage outlets at Hamad Airport, following recent successes like Daily Chef Nouf—created in partnership with renowned local chef Nouf al Marri—and Slicy, a trendy Qatari pizza brand. QDF noted that together these establishments enrich the airport’s dining experience with local character and entrepreneurial vitality.

Thabet Musleh, Qatar Airways Group Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer, praised the opening: “We are proud to welcome Flat White to Qatar Duty Free’s line-up, bringing a well-loved Qatari brand to an international audience. Our vision is to showcase the very best of Qatar, and that means giving travellers the opportunity to experience our homegrown flavours and hospitality first-hand. This opening is a celebration of local talent and entrepreneurial spirit and a step forward in making Hamad International Airport a true gateway to Qatar’s rich culinary culture.”

Flat White’s arrival marks another milestone in Qatar Duty Free’s commitment to offering travelers an authentic and contemporary taste of the city’s thriving café culture right within the airport’s welcoming environment.

As Qatar's summer heat reaches soaring temperatures, finding enjoyable indoor activities is essential for staying cool and entertained. Fortunately, Doha is filled with exciting venues that offer a variety of fun experiences without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to bond with friends, spend quality time with family, or even enjoy some solo adventures, there are plenty of options available for under QR 50.

This guide highlights seven fantastic indoor activities that cater to all ages and interests, from competitive sports to creative pursuits. With prices that are easy on the wallet, you can enjoy a day out without worrying about your budget. Plus, these activities are perfect for escaping the relentless sun while still having a blast. So, gather your friends or family, and discover the fun waiting for you indoors this summer!

1. Bowling at Qatar Bowling Center

Bowling is a classic and fun way to spend some time with friends or family. The Qatar Bowling Center is well-known for its lively atmosphere and well-maintained lanes. You can enjoy a game for just QR 12 per person, making it an affordable outing.

• Price: QR 12 per person
• Location: Al Bidda, near Mannai Roundabout
• Contact: +974 3336 2722
• Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 12 AM
• Facilities: The center has a snack bar where you can grab a bite to eat while you play.
• Tip: Consider going during weekday mornings for fewer crowds and more lane availability.
• Additional Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for better grip and movement on the lane.

2. Billiards at Hangout

Hangout is a great spot for billiards enthusiasts. For QR 30 per hour, you can challenge your friends to a game or simply enjoy a laid-back session. The ambiance is relaxed, and they offer a selection of light snacks and drinks.

• Price: QR 30 for 1 hour
• Location: 1st Floor, Mirqab Mall
• Instagram: [@hangoutqatar]
• Hours: 12 PM to 11 PM
• Facilities: Comfortable seating and a casual vibe make it perfect for socializing.
• Tip: Check their Instagram for any special deals or themed nights!
• Additional Tip: Bring your own cue stick if you enjoy playing regularly; it can enhance your performance.

3. Mini Golf at Gondolania

Gondolania features a vibrant, neon-themed mini golf course that's fun for all ages. For QR 35 per person, you can navigate the colorful holes and enjoy a few laughs along the way. It's an excellent choice for family outings or friendly competitions.

• Price: QR 35 per person
• Location: Gondolania, Villaggio Mall
• Instagram: [@gondolania]
• Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
• Facilities: The mall offers a variety of dining options, so you can grab a meal after your game.
• Tip: Don’t forget to take photos in the neon-lit areas for great memories!
• Additional Tip: Arrive early to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

4. Games at Court of Cards

Court of Cards is perfect for board game lovers. With an extensive library that includes classic games like Monopoly and modern favorites like Codenames, you can immerse yourself in hours of fun. The pricing is based on group size, making it budget-friendly for larger groups.

• Price:
  QR 35 for 1 person for 3 hours
  QR 30 per person (group of 5)
  QR 25 per person (group of 10)
  QR 20 per person (group of 20)
• Location: Geek Street, Store974, Gate Mall
• Instagram: [@court.of.cards]
• Hours: 3 PM to 11 PM
• Facilities: Cozy seating areas for groups, along with a café offering snacks.
• Tip: Bring your own snacks or drinks to enjoy while you play!
• Additional Tip: Try to learn a new game from their collection to keep things fresh and exciting!

5. Laser Tag at Trocadéro

For those seeking excitement, Trocadéro offers a thrilling laser tag experience. Gather your friends and engage in friendly competition to see who can score the most points. Starting at QR 30, it's an exhilarating way to spend your day.

• Price: Starts at QR 30
• Location: Place Vendome
• Instagram: [@trocadero.qa]
• Hours: 10 AM to 12 AM
• Facilities: A well-designed arena that enhances the laser tag experience.
• Tip: Wear comfortable clothes for easy movement during the game!
• Additional Tip: Form teams and strategize beforehand for added fun and competitiveness.

6. Painting at Artist Cafe

If you have a creative side, head to Artist Cafe to paint your masterpiece. For QR 49, you can get a small canvas and paint, allowing you to express yourself in a relaxing setting. The café often hosts art workshops, making it a great place to learn new techniques.

• Price: QR 49 for a small canvas and paint
• Location: The Pearl Island & West Bay
• Instagram: [@artistcafe_qatar]
• Hours: 9 AM to 10 PM
• Facilities: Cozy atmosphere with art supplies available.
• Tip: Consider joining a workshop for guided instruction!
• Additional Tip: Bring a friend to share ideas and inspire each other while you paint.

7. Gondola Ride at Villaggio Mall

Experience a taste of Venice right in Doha with a gondola ride at Villaggio Mall. For just QR 10 per person, you can enjoy a serene ride along the indoor canal while being serenaded by the gondolier. It’s a unique way to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

• Price: QR 10 per person, maximum 4 per gondola
• Location: Villaggio Mall
• Instagram: [@villaggiomall]
• Hours: 10 AM to 11 PM
• Facilities: The mall features a variety of shops and restaurants for a complete day out.
• Tip: Try to go during quieter hours for a more peaceful ride.
• Additional Tip: Bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery during your gondola ride!

Conclusion

These seven indoor activities offer a fantastic way to have fun while staying cool this summer in Doha. Whether you’re bowling, playing games, or painting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Gather your friends or family, and make the most of your time indoors! With these extra tips, you’re sure to have an even better experience.

New Zealand is set to ease its ban on foreign buyers, allowing wealthy investors holding so-called golden visas to purchase luxury homes worth at least NZ$5 million ($3 million). The coalition government announced the change on Monday, framing it as a strategic move to attract high-net-worth individuals and revive the nation's sluggish economy. This policy shift will take effect by the end of the year, once reforms to the Overseas Investment Act are officially passed into law.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasized New Zealand’s global appeal as a great place to live and the need to grow the economy by welcoming significant investors who want to contribute to the community. He described the change as a balanced approach, appealing to both those wary of foreign ownership and those seeking to deepen wealthy investors’ ties to the country.

The golden visa, officially known as the Active Investor Plus visa, was relaunched five months ago to attract foreign capital by offering residency in exchange for substantial investment. Until now, visa holders were largely barred from buying property unless they were residents or citizens. The new exemption permits them to buy a single home valued at NZ$5 million or more. This threshold targets a very small segment of the housing market approximately 7,000 properties nationwide and is intended to minimize impact on housing affordability.

Data shows there have been over 300 applications for the golden visa so far this year, representing potential investments exceeding NZ$1.8 billion, with about 40% from U.S. applicants. While critics worry the move could exacerbate housing challenges, experts note its effect on prices will be limited, given the high price floor and the market dynamics influenced more by local economic factors than foreign speculation.

The easing of restrictions aligns with broader government efforts to increase foreign investment amid economic headwinds, including a recent recession period. The policy maintains protections for most New Zealanders by excluding purchases of farms, rural, and sensitive land, and continues the overall foreign buyer ban for properties below the high-value threshold.

Overall, New Zealand's new approach is aimed at reinforcing its position in the competitive global market for wealthy international investors, balancing economic growth objectives with the need to protect the local housing market.